Cooler System

ABSTRACT

A non-powered cooler system with an integrated powered vacuum sealer wherein the outer body may be made up of a hard casing of hard plastic material or soft waterproof material. A battery powered vacuum sealer for use in connection with the non-powered cooler or otherwise. The non-powered cooler having a supplemental compartment configured to hold a battery powered appliance, such as a vacuum sealer, or a volume of food.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/803,429 filed on Feb. 9, 2019, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/786,048 filed on Feb. 10, 2020.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification generally relates to a cooler system and corresponding vacuum sealer. More specifically, the present specification relates to a cooler system having an integrated vacuum sealer to seal food with an optional table.

BACKGROUND

Coolers are well known in the art. However, typical coolers lack the abilities to process food, such as fish, and store said food in an airtight configuration.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,939 discusses a process for vacuum-packaging foodstuffs in rigid containers wherein desired quantity of foodstuff to be packaged is placed in the container, a quantity of aqueous liquid in an amount sufficient to generate, when boiled, a volume of vapor sufficiently in excess of the volume of the container to substantially completely displace all other gases from the container, is added. The container is closed but not sealed, so as to permit communication between the interior of the container and the ambient atmosphere. The container and its contents are warmed to a temperature sufficient to generate the volume of vapor when the container is subjected to a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. The temperature is kept as low as possible so that no cooking of the foodstuffs occurs. After warming, the containers are exposed to a low pressure so that the liquid in the container boils. The boiling liquid generates vapor in the container sufficient to drive out and displace other gases from the container. The container is hermetically sealed while exposed to the sub-atmospheric pressure.

While the cited prior art discusses the process of vacuum packaging foodstuffs in rigid containers wherein desired quantity of foodstuff to be packaged is placed in the container, a quantity of aqueous liquid in an amount sufficient to generate, when boiled, a volume of vapor sufficiently in excess of the volume of the container to substantially completely displace all other gases from the container, is added. The container is closed but not sealed, so as to permit communication between the interior of the container and the ambient atmosphere. The container and its contents are warmed to a temperature sufficient to generate the volume of vapor when the container is subjected to a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. The temperature is kept as low as possible so that no cooking of the foodstuffs occurs. After warming, the containers are exposed to a low pressure so that the liquid in the container boils. The boiling liquid generates vapor in the container sufficient to drive out and displace other gases from the container. The container is hermetically sealed while exposed to the sub-atmospheric pressure, but the present invention is a non-powered cooler system with an integrated powered vacuum sealer wherein the outer body may be made up of a hard casing of hard plastic material or soft waterproof material. The cooler system as disclosed in the present invention is portable light weighted and suited to be carried during travels and for the preservation of the perishable material such as food, fish, vegetables, etc.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,930,892 talks about refrigerator with continuous vacuum insulation wherein a refrigerator includes a refrigerator housing, a refrigerated compartment disposed within the refrigerator housing, and a hollow refrigerator wall having insulation material therein. There is a first fluid connection from the vacuum pump to the hollow refrigerator wall for providing a first function of evacuating air from the hollow refrigerator wall and a second fluid connection from the vacuum pump for providing a second function of evacuating air.

While the cited prior art talks about refrigerator with continuous vacuum insulation but the present invention is non-powered cooler system with an integrated powered vacuum sealer wherein the outer body may be made up of a hard casing of hard plastic material or soft waterproof material. The cooler system as disclosed in the present invention is portable light weighted and suited to be carried during travels and for the preservation of the perishable material such as food, fish, vegetables, etc.

U.S. Pat. Application No. US20060090427A1 discusses a refrigerator with integral vacuum sealer wherein a vacuum packaging system that is comprised of a very convenient vacuum pump and canister-sealing device is an integral component of a refrigerator. The device is comprised of: 1) one or more external vacuum hose input ports or retractable combination hose/input ports, for applying a vacuum for packaging canisters, bottles or jars, or a remote bag sealing unit; 2) an internal configuration comprised of one or more vacuum hose input ports or retractable combination hose/input ports, canister lid storage attachments and/or carousel storage attachments; and/or 3) an external, integral or removable bagging unit (recessed into the refrigerator door) for vacuum sealing and cutting plastic bagging material. There exists a need in the art to provide a more cost effective and portable sealing solution.

While the cited prior art talks about refrigerator with integral vacuum sealer but the present invention is a non-powered cooler system with an integrated powered vacuum sealer wherein the outer body may be made up of a hard casing of hard plastic material or soft waterproof material. The cooler system as disclosed in the present invention is portable light weighted and suited to be carried during travels and for the preservation of the perishable material such as food, fish, vegetables, etc.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a non-powered cooler system with an integrated powered vacuum sealer and table wherein the outer body may be made up of a hard casing of hard plastic material or soft waterproof material. The vacuum sealer is intended to seal bags of food exterior to the cooler, not the cooler itself. The cooler system as disclosed in the present invention is portable light weighted and suited to be carried during travels and for the preservation of the perishable material such as food, fish, vegetables, etc.

A non-powered cooler system having an outer body defining an inner volume, the inner volume adapted to store a quantity of food and a lid subassembly connected to the outer body, the lid subassembly having a frame, the frame removably connected to the outer body, a lid pivotally connected to the frame, the lid configured to cover and seal the inner volume, a table pivotally connected to the frame, the table having at least one support connected thereto and a vacuum sealer connected to the frame, the vacuum sealer configured to seal food, the lid subassembly removable from the outer body. In some embodiments, the lid pivotally connects to the frame on a first edge of the frame and the table pivotally connects to the frame on a second edge, the first edge may be perpendicular to the second edge. The table may include a generally planar upper surface having a distal edge. In some embodiments, the table is supported by at least one leg, the at least one leg positioned at the distal edge of the table. The lid subassembly may further include an electronics module, the electronics module configured to pivotally connect to the frame, the electronics module configured to cover at least a portion of the inner volume. In some embodiments, the electronics module contains the vacuum sealer.

In other embodiments, a lid is provided to be interchangeable with standard container lids. A lid for a container includes a frame, the frame removably connected to the container, a lid pivotally connected to the frame, the lid configured to cover and seal an inner volume of the container, a table pivotally connected to the frame, the table having at least one support connected thereto and a vacuum sealer connected to the frame, the vacuum sealer configured to seal food wherein the lid subassembly removable from the container.

In some embodiments, the lid pivotally connects to the frame on a first edge of the frame and the table pivotally connects to the frame on a second edge. In some embodiments, the first edge is perpendicular to the second edge. The table may include a generally planar upper surface having a distal edge. In some embodiments, the table is supported by at least one leg, the at least one leg positioned at the distal edge of the table. The lid assembly may further include an electronics module, the electronics module configured to pivotally connect to the frame, the electronics module configured to cover at least a portion of an inner volume of the container. In some embodiments, the electronics module contains the vacuum sealer.

Rotomolding might be used to mold the cooler since rotomolding is known to make the strongest and most durable coolers and can be configured to make detailed angles and compartments such as the one needed to house the vacuum sealer, but it might also be made by injection molding or sewing and patching techniques. The vacuum sealer to be integrated will also be designed specifically for this product.

This cooler would be used as storage for cold goods. For example, when a fish is caught the top of the cooler will be used to filet the fish. Then directly after, each filet is inserted into a vacuum sealer sleeve or bag and inserted into the opening of the vacuum sealer component built into the cooler then the vacuum sealer sucks out all the air from the inside of the sleeve or bag and in turn seals it. This will ensure the best quality meat possible by vacuum sealing and putting the same in ice right away.

In another embodiment, a cooler assembly is provided having an outer body defining an inner volume, the inner volume adapted to store a quantity of food, the inner volume sealable by at least one lid, and a supplemental volume disposed in the at least one lid, the supplemental volume extending into the inner volume of the cooler assembly. The supplemental volume may be covered by a slidable cover, the slidable cover also being a table. In some embodiments, the inner volume is separated into two separate and distinct components. Further, in some embodiments the supplemental volume is configured to store a battery powered appliance where the battery powered appliance may be a battery powered vacuum sealer.

Further, a vacuum sealer assembly is provided having a housing, a sealing component configured to remove air from a sealer material configured to hold a volume of food, a cutting portion configured to remove the sealed food from the vacuum sealer assembly, and a battery, the battery configured to power the vacuum sealer assembly without the need for auxiliary power. The vacuum sealer may include a roll holder to hold sealer material, the roll holder being removable. Further, the vacuum sealer may be recharged by means of solar charging. A pair of handles are disposed on the vacuum sealer for easy transportation.

The battery may also be charged while still installed in the housing. Furthermore, the vacuum sealer may further include a means to be powered by conventional power and plugged into a wall and have battery power when necessary. The battery can be charged on it's own outside of the housing and/or inside of the sealer (by means of a charging cable).

In yet another embodiment, a cooler assembly is provided having an outer body defining an inner volume, the inner volume adapted to store a quantity of food, the outer body having an outer edge, the inner volume sealable by at least one lid and a removable table removable connected to the lid, the removable table having a first edge, the removable table connectable to the outer edge of the outer body at the first edge of the table. The lid may be movable from a stowed position to a use position wherein the stowed position is where the table is removably connected to the at least one lid of the cooler assembly and the removable table connectable to the outer edge of the outer body at the first edge of the table.

Another advantage of the present invention shall be that it can be used to seal oil waste rags and clean the products in the field before housing them inside the container and until ready for further disposal. It can vary in size as per the requirement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the cooler open and the table unfolded according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the cooler closed and the table unfolded according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the cooler closed and the table folded according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the cooler open and the table folded according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 5 depicts an alternative perspective view of the cooler open and the table folded according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 6 depicts an exploded perspective view of the cooler with the lid assembly removed according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the sealer portion according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 8 depicts an alternative perspective view of the sealer portion according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 9 depicts an alternative embodiment perspective view of a cooler having three compartments with a removable battery powered appliance with a table partially removed and the supplemental compartment lid open according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 10 depicts an alternative embodiment perspective view of a cooler having three compartments with a removable battery powered appliance with a table attached and the supplemental compartment lid and main compartment lid open according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 11 depicts an alternative embodiment perspective view of a cooler having three compartments according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 12 depicts an alternative embodiment perspective view of a cooler having three compartments according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 13 depicts an alternative embodiment perspective view of a cooler having three compartments with the table in the stowed position according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 14 depicts an alternative embodiment perspective view of a cooler having three compartments with the table in the use position according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 15 depicts an alternative embodiment perspective view of a cooler having three compartments with the table in the stowed position according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 16 depicts an alternative embodiment perspective view of a cooler having three compartments with an alternative embodiment supplemental compartment lid being a slidable table according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 17 depicts an alternative embodiment perspective view of a cooler lid with an alternative embodiment supplemental compartment lid being a slidable table according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 18 depicts an alternative embodiment top view of a cooler having three compartments with an alternative embodiment supplemental compartment lid being a slidable table according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view of a battery powered vacuum sealer according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 20 depicts a top view of a battery powered vacuum sealer according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 21 depicts a side view of a battery powered vacuum sealer according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 22 depicts a side view of a battery powered vacuum sealer according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 23 depicts a side view of a battery powered vacuum sealer according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

FIG. 24 depicts an exploded perspective view of a battery powered vacuum sealer according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1 , the cooler assembly 100 includes a lid sub assembly 102 connected thereto. The cooler assembly 100 generally includes a table portion 106 and a cooler portion 104. The cooler portion 104 may be any container or storage assembly or configuration adapted to hold a quantity of food or other items. in the embodiment as shown in the present figures, the cooler portion 104 is adapted to keep a quantity of food cold. However, in other embodiments, the cooler portion 104 may simply be storage to store various items. In the present embodiment, the cooler portion 104 includes a hard outer shell 118. The outer shell 118 may be comprised of a hard plastic or metal material. In other embodiments, the outer shell may be soft and/or pliable. in the present embodiment, the cooler portion 104 includes two separate and distinct storage areas. The storage areas may be kept a different temperature or be used to hold different types of food or items. The cooler portion 104 includes an upper ring portion configured to connect directly to an upper peripheral edge of the cooler portion 104. This upper ring is directly connected to the lid sub assembly 102.

The table portion 106 is pivotally connected to lid sub assembly 102. The table portion 106 is configured to move from a stowed position, such as illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 , to a used position such as illustrated in FIG. 1 . Table portion 106 includes a generally planer table surface 110 having a plurality of pivotable legs 112. In the present embodiment, the legs 112 are connected by means of a pivotable hinge so as to store in a flat configuration when in the stowed position. When in use, the legs 112 are generally perpendicular to the table surface wanton so as to support the table surface 110 when in use. When the table portion 106 is in the stowed position, the table portion 106 becomes part of the lid and is thus pivotable with the lid subassembly 102 as a whole.

The lid subassembly 102 further includes a lid 114. The lid 114 is configured to close and seal the storage portion of the cooler portion 104. The cooler portion 104 is the area where the user can store food, ice etc. the cooler portion 104 is the area where the user will place ice or food or anything else they want to cool or store. This area may be divided into multiple sections, such as illustrated in the present embodiment, so that there will be divisions for messy items of discarded food or other waste. A handle or a plurality of handles may also be provided on the exterior surface of the cooler at 118.

A frame 115 is provided connected to the outer peripheral edge of the cooling portion 104. The frame 115 is the connection between the cooling portion 104 and all other components of the lid sub assembly 102. The frame 115 is fixedly connected to the lid some assembly 102 and removably connected to the cooler 104. The frame 115 allows the lid sub assembly 102 to be interchangeable or to be placed on a similar size cooler.

The table 106 is pivotally connected to the frame 115. The table 106 may be used for displaying, preparing, packaging, or otherwise manipulating food or beverages. When in a stowed position, the table 106 is positioned above the lid 114, such as illustrated in FIG. 3 .

The electronics module 108 is the compartment containing all of the electronics components required for operation of the vacuum sealer 116. The electronics module 108 contains the battery, wires, vacuum sealer 116, USB port etc. and it will also serve as a lid for the small storage compartment located adjacent to the cooler portion 104. The vacuum sealer 116 may be connected to this module but also may be removable for cleaning and/or maintenance purposes. All of the aforementioned components will be securely stowed with a robust and waterproof seal.

The vacuum sealer 116 Is positioned adjacent to the table 106 so the user can prepare or package food and use the table 106 as a support when sealing a bag. By way of example, a user may fillet a fish on the surface 110 of the table 106 and then vacuum seal the fish using the vacuum sealer 116 and then store it in the cooler portion 104. In the table 106, or in the lid 114, there may be additional space to store accessories such as a knife so that a user may have easy access to said accessories.

The electronics module 108 includes a vacuum sealer holder 117 configured to hold the vacuum sealer 116. The electronics module 108 also includes a portion configured to hold a battery at reference numeral 119. For the battery and sealer 116 to be removable and easily connected again, one place on its respective compartments, each will match with terminals contained within the spaces 117, 119.

FIGS. 9-15 depict an alternative embodiment cooler assembly 200. The cooler assembly 200 includes a lid sub assembly 202A, 202B pivotally connected thereto. The cooler assembly 200 generally includes a table portion 206 and a cooler portion 204. The cooler portion 204 may be any container or storage assembly or configuration adapted to hold a quantity of food or other items. in the embodiment as shown in the present figures, the cooler portion 204 is adapted to keep a quantity of food cold. However, in other embodiments, the cooler portion 204 may simply be storage to store various items. In the present embodiment, the cooler portion 204 includes a hard outer shell 218. The outer shell 218 may be comprised of a hard plastic or metal material. In other embodiments, the outer shell may be soft and/or pliable. In the present embodiment, the cooler portion 204 includes two separate and distinct storage areas 228, 230. The storage areas may be kept at different temperatures or be used to hold different types of food or items.

The table portion 206 is removably connected to lids 202A, 202B. The table portion 106 is configured to move from a stowed position, such as illustrated in FIG. 15 , to a use position such as illustrated in FIG. 12 . Table portion 206 includes a generally planer table surface having a plurality of pivotable or removable legs 250. In the present embodiment, the legs 112 are connected by means of a pivotable hinge so as to store in a flat configuration when in the stowed position. When in use, the legs 250 are generally perpendicular to the table surface wanton so as to support the table 206 when in use. When the table portion 206 is in the stowed position, the table portion 206 becomes part of the lid and is thus pivotable with the lids 202A, 202B as a whole.

The table portion 206 is removable connectable to an outside of the cooler assembly. The cooler assembly includes a first connector portion 252. The table portion 206 includes a second connector portion 254 connectable to the first connector portion 252. When not in use, the table portion 206 connects directly to the lids 202A, 202B.

The lids 202A, 202B are configured to close and seal the storage portion of the cooler portion. The cooler portions 228, 230 are the areas where the user can store food, ice etc. The cooler portions 228, 230 are the area where the user will place ice or food or anything else they want to cool or store. This area may be divided into multiple sections, such as illustrated in the present embodiment, so that there will be divisions for messy items of discarded food or other waste. A handle or a plurality of handles may also be provided on the exterior surface of the cooler.

The cooler assembly 300 further includes a third, or supplemental volume, 220. The supplemental volume 220 may be used as a third cooler compartment or used to store a battery powered appliance (such as the vacuum sealer 300). The supplemental volume 220 is covered by a lid 222. The supplemental volume 220 is disposed on a lid (either pone of lids 202A, 202B or a single lid) and extends into the cooler compartment.

Alternatively, the battery powered appliance may be any small appliance capable of being battery powered such as a hot plate, blender, food processor, mixer, juicer, air fryer, toaster, coffee maker, or any other similar appliance.

In an alternative embodiment, the lid for the supplemental volume 220 is a slidable table. As shown in FIGS. 16-18 , a slidable table 1260 is provided covering the supplemental volume contained in lid 202B. A pair of brackets 1264 allow the table 1260 to slide into a use position when the supplemental compartment is open. A handle 1262 is provided to facilitate movement between a stowed position and a use position.

A vacuum sealer 300 is illustrated in FIGS. 19-24 . The vacuum sealer 300 includes a housing 302 having a set of opposed handles 350. The handles are particularly advantage in the portable battery powered appliance for removing the vacuum sealer 300 from its storage compartment or otherwise moving the appliance. These handles are advantageous in this portable configuration and not expected in standard powered kitchen appliances not configured to be portable. The vacuum sealer 300 further includes a lid 320 and a cutter 370. A button panel 322 further includes a battery level indicator 330 to indicate the level of the battery in the battery powered vacuum sealer 300.

The battery powered vacuum sealer 300 further includes the vacuum/motor assembly 310 to power the vacuum sealer. A battery assembly 340 is further provided in FIG. 24 . The battery assembly 340 includes a battery 342 connected to the vacuum/motor assembly 310. A removable lid 344 is further provided to allow removing of the battery 342 for charging. The system may further include a solar charging system to re-charge the battery.

The vacuum sealer solves the solution of packing and storing food when there is no access to power. Traditionally, vacuum sealers must be plugged into an auxiliary source for power and operation. The present vacuum sealer as disclosed herein provides the unexpected advantage of allowing a user to seal and store a volume of food even without having access to power (such as in camping or disaster relief situations). While battery power is known in other applications, it has never been applied to vacuum sealers since the power required was too great to power the sealer. The present battery powered vacuum sealer overcomes these advantages by having a rechargeable battery and allows the user to use the vacuum sealer anywhere without access to traditional electrical power from an outlet. This allows a user to store and preserve food without direct access to a traditional power source thereby improving society and promoting less waste and an improved environment.

It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation.

These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination.

It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter. 

1-5. (canceled)
 6. A vacuum sealer assembly comprising: a housing, a sealing component configured to remove air from a sealer material configured to hold a volume of food; a cutting portion configured to remove the sealed food from the vacuum sealer assembly; and a battery, the battery configured to power the vacuum sealer assembly without the need for auxiliary power thereby allowing use of the vacuum sealer in remote locations.
 7. The vacuum sealer of claim 6 wherein the vacuum sealer includes a roll holder to hold sealer material, the roll holder being removable.
 8. The vacuum sealer of claim 6 wherein the vacuum sealer is recharged by means of solar charging.
 9. The vacuum sealer of claim 6 wherein a pair of handles are disposed on the vacuum sealer for easy transportation. 10-13. (canceled) 